Despite efforts to prevent food allergy (FA) in children, IgE-mediated FAs are increasing in
westernized countries. Previous preventive strategies, such as prolonged exclusive breast-
feeding and delayed weaning onto solid foods, have recently been called into question. The
present review considers possible risk factors and theories for the development of FA. An
alternative hypothesis is proposed, suggesting that early cutaneous exposure to food protein
through a disrupted skin barrier leads to allergic sensitization and that early oral exposure to …